MECH-CS02
An integrated mechanical testing and characterization system for thin-engineered materials
Dr. Calvin Stewart
Preferred major field of study or minimum required skills
- Mechanical testing experience
- Microsoft office
- SolidWorks or other CAD software
- MathCAD
Scholarly significance/intellectual merit
The objectives of this interdisciplinary research project is to develop an integrated mechanical testing and characterization system for investigations into thin- engineered materials including metals subjected to environment assisted cracking, thin film photovoltaics, and hydrogel biomaterials. In 2009, a Bose Biodynamic 5160 test instrument ($40k+) was procured by the UTEP Department of Mechanical Engineering. This 200 Newton machine, based on ElectroForce technology, is capable of applying millions of mechanical cycles into small specimens at a high frequency. A bioreactor environmental chamber was also procured that enables testing in a physiologically-relevant environment where a flow rate controlled aqueous and/or gas solution is circulated within a chamber enclosing the specimen. These unique abilities, enable the characterization of the ultra-high-cycle properties of materials under various mechanical-chemical environments.
Research question(s)
Can an integrated mechanical testing and characterization system be developed that will enable the study of environment assisted cracking, thin film photovoltaics, and hydrogel biomaterials?
Methods/techniques/instruments to be learned/utilized
Task 1 - Integration of the Test Instrument
Task 2 - Service and Training by TA Instruments
Task 3 - Bioreactor Upgrade for Temperature Control
Task 4 - Testing and Characterization
Task4a - Environment Assisted Cracking
Task4b - thin-film photovoltaics
Task4c - hydrogel biomaterials